Defamation of religion? Against who?

Take a look at this article. I would be interested in what you think.

http://www.aclj.org/News/Read.aspx?ID=3032

I won't go into my opinion of the UN at the moment, other than to say I don't like them much.

As for this article, and the Muslim nation's resolution? The resolution is a blatant attack on other religions and an attempt to further their own without resistance. I am a Christian, so I will only talk about the impact it would have on me. If this resolution were to pass, my beliefs would be stifled. Any time I tried to share my beliefs, it would be considered a defamation of religion, or specifically, Islam, and I could be imprisoned, and maybe even killed for it. Now if my dying for my beliefs brought more people to Christ, I would gladly do it. But what about Muslims defaming Christians by calling us infidels? Would that cease? Or is this just a one way street?

What do you think?

My first deer hunt

I was thinking about this as I drove to work in the dark this morning. I was a cool morning and cloudy, and just made me think of the trip up to hunt.

I was 12 and finally old enough to go big game hunting here in Montana. I have been out several times with my Dad to the rifle range to get the 270 (Voure Arms Mauser 98 Military, Sporterized) he bought me sighted in and ready to go. I had even spent several evening helping (and learning how to) reload for it. I was ready to go and excited. I didn't sleep that well due to the excitement. Finally fell asleep and it seems like only seconds till my dad was shaking me telling me it was time to get up. I rolled out of bed groggily and quickly got dressed. It was a cold morning with about 2 inches of fresh snow on top of already 6 inches. I got into my snow gear and headed down stairs. My mom had hot chocolate ready so I got a mug full for he trip up. I checked and double checked to make sure the bolt was in my rifle and I had my box of freshly loaded rounds. I could hear the 72 chevy suburban running out side. I threw my gear in the truck and climbed in up front next to my dad. My older brother climbed in back. It was colder than I thought and the defroster was having trouble keeping up. My dad's friend Bruce (who I have learned so much from!) showed up and off we went.

It was dark and cloudy out, with a touch of snow falling. The truck was finally warming up as we headed out of town for the 45 minute drive. We only saw a couple cars on the road, and you knew it was hunters heading out to their opening day spots. We finally turned onto the two track that led through the field and up the first hill to where we would park. It struck me that we couldn't see anything that wasn't in the headlights. Kind of like a tunnel effect. We got to the hill, and my dad climbed out and locked in the hubs. Kicked it into four wheel low for the climb up. It still amazes me today how steep that hill is, and they have improved the road. We made it up with out chains and dropped down a little on the other side of the ridge and parked.

I bundled up, and climbed out just as the first hints of gray where showing on the horizon. It was going to be a cold day. (The high turned out to be about 4 degrees and the low had been -10). My dad took me up over the ridge to the north and set me down with some trees behind me on a noll overlooking the draw running up to the mountains. He then positioned my brother and then took up a positions himself where he could see me but still have a clear shot if needed. Bruce headed back down the hill to push the deer out of the fields to us. I only saw some does, but my brother shot a nice buck.

I never did shoot anything that day, but I had so much fun. I was a great memory of hunting with my Dad and brother. Every year for 6 years my Dad, brothers, and I (and usually Bruce) spent opening day up there. I will hopefully return again this year (didn't make it last year) with my Dad for another hunt. And whether or not I get anything, I get to spend time with my father who is a great friend to me. The memories will last a lifetime.

Grandparents

I dearly wish that I had the opportunity of knowing my grandfathers. Both of them died before I was born. I envy those that have time with there grandparents. It is not something to be taken for granted. I hope that those reading this that still have living grandparents will spend a lot of time with them. You will not regret it!

On my Mom's side, he was a hunter. If fact he used to take my mom with him on the week long elk hunting trips in Montana (lived in Billings). This seems a little odd considering my mom would never go hunting with us. She does go out with my Dad when he has no one else to go with. I would have loved to talk to my grandpa about his hunting stories and trips. His tips and advise. I have shot a few deer with the old Winchester Mod 70 270 (pre 64) that was passed down to my mom and dad when he died. That is my only connection with him.

On my Dad's side, as far as I know he was not a hunter. He was a very Godly man and was a teacher at Multnumah Bible College in Portland, OR. From what I hear, he was well liked by all the students and there were waiting lists to get into his classes. His love for God and people I can see in my father, and I hope can be seen in me. I have recently got a hold of some recordings of his classes. I am trying to listen to them. It is the first time I have ever heard his voice. Seems odd to be saying that because most people know what there grandparents voices sound like. I am thoroughly enjoying listening to these recordings.

There is one man that I have always considered my grandpa. This family took us under their wings when we moved to Montana in 1982. They practically adopted us. They have been my grandparents for years. I am so thankful for their involvement in my life! The advise and example they set is so valuable. As I get older and see them get older and closer to death, I try to spend more and more time with them. She is one of the best cooks I have ever known. But the biggest trait that I see is her prayer life. She never stops praying for me, and I can see the power of that in my life! He is like a big teddy bear. When younger we would wrestle with him, go sledding, and just have fun. His biggest infuence in my life though is not the fun we had, but his love for God. He buries himself in his study preparing Sunday school lessons, and writing a book. He used to teach a Montana Bible College (at that time it was Montana Institute of the Bible) which is now in Bozeman, MT. The mans wisdom is astounding. He is truely a hero in my eyes.

Some day as time passes, these grandparents too will pass away. And although it will be a sad occation, I will look back with joy on the infuence they had on me and the fond memories, and rejoice knowing that they are in heaven with the God that they love so much. I look forward to the day I will meet them there. I pray that if I am blessed with grandchildren, they can look at me and say, he loves God more than anything, and I want to be like him.

Intro

Let me introduce myself. My name is Andrew Bradley. As you can tell from the blog title, I am from Montana. I grew up in Lewistown, MT. I really love hunting and shooting. I spend a lot of time researching guns. I have worked as a guide for elk and deer hunts. I have been hunting since I was old enough to hold a gun. I enjoy hiking, camping and most sports.

Helo Pilot. That is a little deceiving at this point. I am a rated commercial helicopter pilot, but that is not my job. Some day I will be flying as a pilot. Currently I am working on my Certified Flight Instructor rating.

The most important thing in my life is my relationship with Jesus Christ. I am a sinner, and God set His son Jesus to die for my sins. I have accepted that free gift of salvation offered and now have a real personal relationship with Jesus. Without Christ I am nothing and can do nothing. I thank God for Christian family and friends. I thank Him for allowing me to pursue my dreams of flying. God is so good!

You never know what might show up on this blog! A lot with God, family, country, guns, and helicopters.